Talar Dome Fastener-and-Clip Fixation for Stable Ankle Implant Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ankle replacement technologies face challenges in providing a stable and effective attachment mechanism for talar implants, which can lead to instability and reduced range of motion in ankle joints affected by arthritis or other conditions.
Innovation Solution
A talar implant design featuring a plate with a post and a talar dome with threaded holes and grooves, along with fasteners and clips, that securely attach to the talus, mimicking the natural ankle joint's articulation surfaces to restore motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple attachment mechanism is used for the talar implant, then the device complexity is reduced, but the stability and reliability of the implant attachment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is divided into multiple functional segments: a post with external threads, a talar dome with threaded holes, fasteners with grooves, and clips. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function (threaded engagement for secure attachment, grooves for clip positioning) while collectively providing stable implant fixation without excessive overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism uses a nested structure where the post is inserted into the talar dome, fasteners are inserted through the talar dome to engage the post, and clips are positioned in the grooves of both the talar dome and fasteners. This nesting arrangement consolidates multiple attachment functions into a compact integrated system, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability
2Reliability
If a secure attachment mechanism with multiple components is used, then the reliability of implant attachment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple attachment functions are merged into a coordinated system: the threaded post and threaded holes provide mechanical engagement, fasteners secure the connection, and clips positioned in grooves provide additional stabilization. This merging of functions into an integrated attachment mechanism achieves high reliability while avoiding the complexity of separate independent attachment systems
Solution Approach 2:
The grooves act as intermediaries that facilitate the connection between the talar dome and fasteners. The clips engage these grooves to provide precise positioning and additional security. This intermediary structure simplifies the overall attachment mechanism by providing a standardized interface for connection while maintaining high reliability
Data Source
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AI summary
A talar implant includes a post projecting from a superior surface of the plate and includes at least one threaded hole. A talar dome having an inferior surface is configured to face the plate and an opening in the inferior surface is shaped to receive the post. The talar dome includes at least one through hole having a threaded surface and a groove. The groove has a larger outer diameter than the threaded surface. At least one fastener is configured to engage the threaded hole of the post and the threaded surface of the through hole. The at least one fastener has a groove that is aligned with the groove of the through hole when the fastener is inserted in the talar dome and the post. At least one clip is configured to engage the groove of the through hole of the talar dome and the groove of the fastener.